“Thought that’s what you wanted… First one that came up.” Georgie said and Bella picked up on his nervous twinge.

She let out a sigh on this.

“It is. I’ll make it work.”

“You sure?”“

Yep.”

“Alright. So we’re good?”

“Yeah, Georgie we’re good.”

“Thank you.”

Bella hung up and called Jax.

“Miss me already?” He teased.

“Always.”

“Whatcha need, darlin’?”

“Is Tuesday morning too soon?”

There was a bit of a pause. She could hear him questioning a few of the guys on this.

“Shouldn’t be a problem.”

“I’ll see if your mother can take the kids to school that day then.”

“Good deal. You comin’ to the clubhouse tonight?”

“Yep.”

“Alright, I’ll see you then.”

Bella entered the living room and came to a complete halt. She clamped a hand over her mouth and watched as Abel was walking towards his grandmother. Bella was quick to hit record on her phone.

“Such a big boy!” Gemma announced and hugged him.

Bella sent the video to Jax and she and Gemma shared a ‘look’.

“Did you get it?” Gemma hinted as to Bella recording it.

“Yeah. Sent it to Jackson.”

Gemma smiled.

“That ought to make his day.”

“Right?!”

Jax wrapped up the car he was working on then looked to the video Bella had sent him. A true beam came over him and he waved Chibs over.

“Look at this shit!”

Chibs regarded the video in disbelief.

“He’s a-walkin’!”

“I KNOW!”

Chibs chuckled as Jax watched the video over and over again. Jax couldn’t help himself he had to text Bella in response.

I can’t believe he’s walking now!

Me too! Caught me off guard, completely!

Give the little man a hug and let him know daddy’s proud of him. Will you?

Will do!

Jax put his phone away and nodded upon Opie as he entered the garage. He wanted to share the news about his son. But Opie had that don’t fuck with me look about him. Jax drew back a breath on this. He’d been like that ever since the funeral and no one dared to mess with him.

“Where you off to?” Gemma questioned as Bella hugged Abel goodbye and was about to head on out.

“Got somethings to take care of before the kids get out of school.”

“Somethings…?” Gemma questioned rather challengingly.

“Um yeah…”

“Nonsense. I’m taking Abel to the park. Thought we could grab a bit to eat after.”

“So you want me to come with you…” Bella said and Gemma cut her a look that had her feeling rather stupid.

“Right… I can do that.”

“Can you?” Gemma taunted and Bella sighed.

“Depends… Think you can leave bitchy Gemma behind?”

“I’ll do my best.” The way Gemma said this had Bella looking to her with concern.

“Gemma?”

The older woman cleared her throat and stuffed a few things into Abel’s diaper bag.

“Are you alright?”

“Yep.”

Bella looked to the picture of Gemma and Clay on one of the shelves and recoiled. She hadn’t thought about how his death would affect her. Sure, the guy was an asshole and a half. But he obviously had his good moments or Gemma wouldn’t have married him in the first place. That and before the whole shit storm, Bella knew Jax and Clay and a bond of their own. It wasn’t quite fatherly but close enough.

“I’m sorry. I never thought about what you might be going through…” Bella softly stated and Gemma lifted her eyes on this.

“I don’t any advice to give. But I’m a good listener, if you ever need…”

“I appreciate the thought, sweetheart. But something tells me the last thing you wanna hear about is Clay, not that I blame you. Tig opened my eyes to a lot of things the other night.”

Bella regarded Gemma in question.

“Oh?!”

Gemma nodded and strapped the diaper bag to her arm.

“You should’ve killed him that day… Why didn’t you?”

“Jackson and Abel.” Bella earnestly replied and Gemma nodded.

“You’d do anything for them, wouldn’t you?”

“That I would.”

Gemma reached over and placed a strand of hair behind Bella’s ear.

“I think we’re gonna be just fine… You and I.”

“We’ll see…” Bella said with a hint of a smile and Gemma looked to be in thought.

“If I held anything against you when it came to my husband, you’d be dead by now.”

Bella sort of laughed.

“Is that supposed to make me feel better?”

“Yes actually. Should make you feel really fucking good. I have no qualms with you. I understand why you did what you did.”

“You say this like I killed Clay myself.” She would’ve if the Sons hadn’t intervened.

“You did, in a roundabout way. That family of yours is pretty protective. You knew they’d gun him down eventually. It was just a matter of time.”

“You’re right they are. But it was Clay that killed himself.”

“If you weren’t actual blood, the MC would’ve killed you by now. The day you shot Clay… would’ve been the end of it, if not sooner.”

“Hm. It’s amazing what family will do for one another.” Bella uttered and Gemma stopped as they were headed for the door.

The older woman gathered the meaning behind that and shook her head in downright disbelief.

“I love you, you crazy bitch.”

“I know.”

“This isn’t the park…” Bella murmured as Gemma pulled up to a shop.

“How observant of you.”

Bella shrugged on this and followed Gemma inside. Gemma walked on over to the front desk and asked about some cake samples and wedding invitations.

“You set me up…”

“Technically my son set you up. He wanted me to make certain you picked out what YOU wanted for the wedding. The only thing he requested is to keep it Til Death Do Us Part themed. Oh and to keep it the colors you talked about. Whatever that means…”

Bella half laughed.

“That sly bastard…”

Gemma smiled in response.

“He has his moments. He mentioned something about how you wouldn’t do it yourself and knew I could “convince” you.”

“When did he ask you this?”

“He called not long before you came by.” “Of course he did.”

The woman brought forth several books and signaled for them to have a set. The employees fussed over Abel and kept him occupied, while Bella and Gemma went through the books.

“Are you planning a wedding or Halloween party?! Gemma asked after Bella picked out everything she wanted.”

“I’m sorry… Is this your wedding or mine?”

Gemma frowned on this and looked to the cake and invitations again.

“So you going for red velvet?! You know… like the blood of your enemies or dark chocolate, like your soul?”

“So sweet of you to ask. I’m thinking half and half? And a chocolate fountain!”

Bella snorted on this and Gemma leaned back in thought. She certainly saw what her son saw. Gemma herself was a little smitten. Bella could be a complete nut job one second, badass the other… But there was this whole other side. Only those closest to her saw it. The girl drew you in and once you were in that was it. Bella had the biggest heart of anyone Gemma ever knew. But that’s what made Bella aka Wraith so deadly. That’s where she and Gemma were a lot alike. They’d do anything for their loves ones; if that meant taking a life, then so be it.

“Have you picked him out a ring?” Gemma asked and Bella had this baffled look about her.

“Shit… No.”

Gemma smiled on this.

“I know just the place.” She said and went on to pay for everything Bella picked out. “Gemma, I had that…”

“Actually, my son does. He made it clear you weren’t to pay for a damn thing.”

Bella frowned on this.

“Oh stop that. Let him spoil you. Nothing wrong with it.”

“Fine. But I’m buying the ring.”

“My son was pretty adamant…”

“Yeah well… whatcha gonna do? Tattletale?”

“I just might…”

Bella snorted in thought.

“This is it…” Bella said and with this look of utter awe.

“This is Jackson!”

Gemma smiled as Bella held up the ring. It too had skulls along the ring, so it matched Bella’s, rather perfectly. It was uncanny just how alike Bella and Jax were. Everything Bella picked out reminded Gemma of her son. She hadn’t any doubt that he’d be taken back on how Bella went about this and Gemma knew he’d love that ring. Even more so, once she overheard Bella on the engraving she wanted for it. Home – That was Bella’s way of reminding Jax of what he had. He wasn’t alone and he’d always have a place to go.

“Well we got that done quicker than I thought. Let’s eat.”

Bella nodded but had this offbeat look about her.

“You alright there?”

“Yeah…”

Gemma tilted her head as Bella was eyeing some guy standing outside the store. He had on a black leather jacket and had blond hair, like that of Jax. Bella exited the jewelry store as if in a trance. She walked right up to the guy and he nodded her direction.

“Do I know you?” He questioned with a rather flirtatious vibe.

Bella narrowed her eyes and found herself blushing in discomfiture.

“No. Sorry. I thought I knew you.”

The man gave Bella the once over.

“You don’t have to know me…” He hinted with a wink.

Bella flashed the man her engagement ring and he sort of laughed.

“That ring don’t mean nothing, darlin’.” The man started his bike and gunned the engine.

“I’ll steal you right out from under him, just you wait.”

Bella rolled her eyes as the smug biker went about his way.

“Well he was a hot mess, wasn’t he?” Gemma said, while fanning herself.

“I’m engaged to your son…”

“Doesn’t mean I can’t enjoy the view.”

“Enjoy all you want. The guy is clearly delusional.”

“Is that why you walked right up to him, like you were about to ask for a “ride”.” Gemma cleverly put and Bella cut her future mother-in-law a look of absolute hell.

“He reminded me of someone… Someone that raped and killed my best friend.”

Gemma swallowed back on this.

“I’m sorry. I didn’t know.”

“It’s fine. Let’s eat. I’m sure Abel is getting hungry.”

Jax nodded upon the biker that pulled up to the garage. He grabbed his clipboard then made his way over.

“Whatcha need?”

The guy took his helmet off.

“Think my fuel system’s jacked.” The man went on to show Jax how his hose was dried out and starting to crack.

“Oh man… Yeah, you’re gonna need that replaced. I’ll get right to it. Any other issues?”

“Nah, but feel free to double check.”

“Sure thing.”

The man nodded and handed the keys over. He hopped off the bike and Jax got to work. The wait was a little over an hour as Jax was pretty thorough in making certain the guy was all set. He got the new hose attached and went as far as to change the man’s oil, as it was looking pretty gnarly. Jax wiped his hands off then went to see the man about his motorcycle. He reared back however as the guy as sitting at the SAMCRO bench. He had Ima in his lap and there were a couple other Crow Eaters sitting beside him.

“What’s this shite?” Chibs uttered as he and Juice were staring the guy down.

“Hell if I know…” Jax replied before heading on over.

Jax raised his brows as the guy had a handful of Ima’s ass and his tongue jammed down her throat. The president cleared his throat.

“The waiting area is that way…” Jax pointed towards the area and the man lowered his shades as he looked over.

“Things are bit more entertaining over here…” The man smarted and with a bit of a smirk.

“Alright ladies, that’s enough entertaining for today.” Jax murmured but was looking to Ima in particular.

She smacked that gum of hers and licked the biker’s earlobe before heading inside.

“Quite the hospitality you have around here.”

“Those are Crow Eaters and I don’t see no patch on you.” Jax warned and the guy raised his hands as he came to his feet.

“Keep a leash on them if you don’t want them approaching other roosters.”

Jax tossed the man his keys.

“How bout you pay me what you owe me and be on your way.”

The man chuckled as he brought his wallet out. He grabbed a wad of cash and stuffed it into Jax’s cut.

“Got yourself a tip even…” He said whilst patting the area after.

Jax curled his lip on this. He watched as the man got on his bike and peeled on out. The president headed into the clubhouse and shook his head upon the girls.

“You wanna tell me what the hell that was about?!”

Ima couldn’t help but to smile and Jax sneered at this.

“I’m only saying this ONCE, no patch – no entertainment, unless me or the VP says otherwise. GOT IT?!”

The girls nodded and Jax wiggled his finger Ima’s direction. He had her follow him into the men’s room. She had that hopeful look in her eyes as he locked the door and pinned her up against the wall.

“Why do I get the feeling you’re up to no good?”

Ima grabbed Jax by the cut, ripped his shirt open, hopped up and wrapped her legs around him; this was followed by a heated kiss. Jax was quick to pry her off him. He backhanded her then rushed on over and rinsed his mouth out at the sink. The man felt as if he’d vomit. He could taste the other guy. And that wasn’t the only thing… The mere idea of fucking Ima made him sick now. She used to be great in the sack and a good way to kill the time, a stress reliever even. But now?! She was nothing more than a cum dumpster, but not his. He would never touch that again. But he’d be goddamn as that’s how Jax’s luck always ran; he opened the door and was just about to shove her on out of the bathroom when he heard…

“WHAT IN THE FUCK?!”

That pitfall feeling hit and he reacted the only way that came to mind. He grabbed his old lady and forced her into the bathroom. The president locked the door yet again and looked to her with sheer desperation.

“Bella baby… No. And I mean NO! THIS… didn’t happen!”

Jax seized Ima by the hair.

“TELL HER!” He roared and Bella swallowed back as the man was shaking and had the beginnings of tears in his eyes.

He knew how this looked and knew he was fucked. Bella gave a simple nod and snatched Ima from his hold.

“Did he fuck you?”

“No.” Ima uttered as if disappointed and Bella nodded.

She brought out her knife and Ima let out a bit of a yelp as she held it against her throat.

“Do you want him to fuck you?”

Ima blinked and a couple tears trickled down her face.

“I asked you a question…”

Ima shook her head no.

“Good, because the only way you’re getting fucked… is with this knife. Do we have an understanding?”

Ima nodded and Bella lowered the knife.

“You’re a Crow Eater. You answer to HIM, not the other way around. You don’t know Jackson like I do. He’ll kill you if you put him in this position again. You’re lucky he didn’t today.”

Ima looked to Jax.

“She’s right. I will. You’re disposable and replaceable. Porn stars like you are a dime a dozen and I already warned you once. There is no next time.”

Bella smiled on this.

“Ouch. So much for golden pussy.”

Bella unlocked the door then opened it.

“Nice meeting you by the way. Now get lost.”

Ima nodded and was tripping over her own two feet; she couldn’t get out of there fast enough.

Bella shut the door and looked to Jax with concern. The man was a trembling mess. He ran his fingers through his hair and just gawked at her as if completely lost. Bella inched on over and placed a hand along his cheek.

“Tell me what happened.”

Jax closed his eyes and leaned into her touch. He told her about the biker that showed up here and how it went from there. Bella looked to be in thought on this.

“Sounds like the same guy we ran into in town today…”

“Was he driving a Cherokee?”

“Yeah black one.”

“Cocky motherfucker.”

“That’s for damn sure.”

Jax put his forehead to hers.

“Didn’t expect you until tonight.”

“Clearly.” Bella teased and Jax let out a miserable laugh.

“Play nice…”

“I don’t know… You seem to like it when I misbehave.”

“True.” He admitted with a smirk.

“Your mom dropped me off. Didn’t give me much choice. Said she was picking up the kids and that was that.”

“That’s mom for you.”

“I brought you a burger and fries.”

“Thanks darlin’. I’m sorry. I…” Bella placed a single finger along his lips.

“Don’t. We’re good.”

Jax nodded and Bella took off his cut. He trashed his over shirt and adjusted the white shirt he had on beneath it.

“Suits you better anyhow.” Bella murmured in admiration and Jax cocked a brow on this.

“Does it now?”

Bella smiled and put his cut back on.

“You need to get those bitches in line, Mr. Prez.”

“Yes ma’am.” He said behind a chuckle.

He cupped her chin and locked eyes with hers.

“Not happening…” he did his best to hint.

“I mean it.”

“I know.”

Jax gave a simple nod then opened the door. He gestured for her to go on. Jax wasn’t so sure he liked that feeling. He honest to god thought it over, the moment he saw Bella’s face. Jax wasn’t one to bend knee to anyone. But he thought he might if she didn’t believe him. Thankfully, that wasn’t the case. He wanted to be pissed with her, making him feel like that… But then again, he knew the real reason behind it and it only made him love and respect her more. She was the ONLY woman that could keep Jackson Teller in line like that.

“Everything alright?” Piney questioned and Bella nodded.

She couldn’t help but to notice how her uncle avoided her. At this point, she found it rather childish. He was a grown man, yet he’d duck out of sight, the moment he caught wind of her.

“Hey doll…”

Bella spun about in her chair as she was sitting at the bar. She sent the man a genuine smile.

“Hey Tiger.”

Tig chuckled and was quick to hug her.

“I’m guessing you need that cut back?”

He nodded and Bella hopped on down. She made her way behind the bar and grabbed her duffle bag. She unzipped it then tossed his cut over.

“Thanks.”

Bella nodded and grabbed a couple beers. She handed one over to Tig and hit hers up against his.

“Glad you’re back.” She sincerely put and Tig smiled.

“Good to be back.”

They drank to this and one of the Cara Cara girls made their way over. The others were setting up for whatever the boys had planned tonight.

“You must be Jax’s old lady.” The pretty blonde said.

“That’d be me.”

“Lyla…” The young woman introduced and held out a hand in greeting.

“Bella.”

“I know.” Lyla said with a warm smile.

“He’s told me all about you.”

“Has he now…?”

“Well enough to know that it must’ve been you Ima was bitching about. Said something about a knife being held to her throat and how fucking insane the new old lady was.”

Bella smiled and Tig chuckled.

“Certainly sounds like someone I know…” Tig murmured but was ogling the girls as they set up.

“Me too.” Bella witted.

“I’ve seen you around before but didn’t know just how serious it was…” Lyla hinted.

“He put a ring on it. So I’m guessing it’s pretty serious.”

“Good. He needs that. It was great meeting you, Bella.”

“Likewise, Lyla.”

Lyla smiled and went on to help the other girls.

“Think Wraith needs her own strippers?”

Tig choked back on his beer and looked over.

“Hell yeah.”

Bella nodded and looked to be in thought.

“I’ll set up a stripping pole, right in the middle of the penthouse.”

“Can I move in?!”

“Sure. The more the merrier.”

“I call dibs on wherever this strip pole’s getting set up.”

“You can’t call dibs on something like that.”

“Why not?”

Bella shook her head as the cellphone rang. She hit ignore and went to pocket it, only to have her screen flash. It was text message. Bella narrowed her eyes as she read it.

Enough with the games. Answer your phone.

Tig looked on with concern as Bella darted on out the door. Her phone rang again and she answered.

“You’re right. Enough with the games. Don’t call me again.”

Jax looked on from the garage as Bella dropped the cellphone and stomped on it, repeatedly. She made another call, on her personal phone.

“Sup?”

“Dizzy, Wraith needs a new phone and number to go with that.”

“Got it, boss! I’ll have it ready tomorrow.”

“Thanks.”

Bella hung up and went on to sweep up the remains. She dumped it into a nearby dumpster and headed back inside. Bella died of laughter as Tig had himself wrapped around the stripper pole and Lyla looked to be talking him through it. Tig gave it a whirl and Bella snorted as he landed on his ass.

“Think you can do better?” He challenged as Lyla helped Tig to his feet.

“I’m good.”

Tig tilted his head a certain way.

“Nah… Give it whirl.”

Lyla looked to Bella and shrugged.

“Welcome to it.”

“I can’t dance as it is. I haven’t any business being on a stripper pole. I’ll leave that to you wonderful ladies.”

Jax and the others had entered the clubhouse at this point. They’d closed shop for the night. Bella raised her brows as Lyla removed Bella’s jacket then tossed it onto a nearby chair. She took her by the hand then led her to the pole.

“Seriously, I’ll make an ass of myself…” Bella harshly whispered.

“No you won’t…” Lyla assured.

“If you can handle that race car of yours, you can handle swinging around a pole.”

“Two different things, Lyla.”

“Sure they are…”

Lyla showed her a couple of basic moves.

“Try those…”

“I’m good.” Bella went to walk away and Jax let out this encouraging catcall whistle.

“Come on, baby. Show me what you got.”

Bella blushed and shook her head in response. Lyla took her by the hand once again and she cued for one of the girls to put some music on. Tig handed Bella a shot and grinned, like the cat that ate the canary.

“I hate you all.”

“I know.” He said with a chuckle.

Bella downed that shot then looked to Lyla.

“Show me one more time.”

“You got it.”

Bella nodded amongst herself as Lyla went over the two moves again. Bella drew back a hesitant breath and to Jax’s great surprise… Bella hopped on and spun about that bar, just as Lyla had showed her. He swallowed back at the sight. Sure, she was fully clothed. But even with her black tank top and blue jeans, it was incredibly sexy. Jax brought his wallet out and pulled up a chair. He sat down and held out a fifty.

“One more spin, darlin’.”

Bella snorted and Lyla raised her brows on this.

“Hell, even I don’t get fifties!”

Jax sent his old lady a wink and waved that fifty about. Bella spun about the pole once again and even managed to pull off her own little move at the end. Ima rolled her eyes but Lyla had this rather impressed look about her.

“Nice!” She remarked as Bella hopped down and went to grab that fifty.

Bella let out a bit of a gasp as someone grabbed her then dragged her outside the clubhouse.

“WHAT IN THE HELLLLLL!?” Opie roared and Bella had this amused look about her.

“Oh so now you’ll talk to me?”

Opie curled his lip on this.

“You gonna start strippin’ for the boys now?!”

“What the fuck, man?! I was just playing around!”

“Well knock it off. I don’t care to be watchin’ my fucking niece swinging around some goddamn strip pole! THIS IS MY CLUB!”

“And that’s my husband-to-be in there. I wasn’t doing anything wrong. Just having some fun.”

“Well do it somewhere else.”

“So that’s it?! I’m marrying YOUR president, but you’re telling me I have to abide by YOUR rules. Last time I checked you weren’t my father. Hell you weren’t even my uncle, remember?! I’m nothing to you. So why does it matter if you walk in and see me swinging around some damn pole. I’m just another face!”

Jax exited the clubhouse and nodded Opie’s direction.

“Hey man, it’s my fault. I wasn’t thinking when I called her out.”

Bella shook her head on this.

“None of this is your fault. We know what this is…”

Jax narrowed his eyes on this.

“If I could… I’d take her place in a heartbeat.”

Jax recoiled on the meaning behind that.

“But I can’t. Because of that, you can’t even look at me.”

Bella nodded as her uncle kept his head down.

“So this is where we are.”

Bella took her uncle’s zippo out from her pocket then tossed it over.

“I kept it because I wanted that little reminder. But I guess I don’t need it now. Good luck, Opie. I’ll catch you in the morning, Jackson. Be good to my Phantoms, will you?”

Jax nodded but with a sinking heart as Bella headed off, on foot.

“What are you doing, bro? That’s your fucking goddaughter.”

When Opie wouldn’t answer, Jax grabbed him by the cut.

“DONNA’S DEAD! YOU WANT BELLA TO BE NEXT?!” He shouted and Opie socked him in the gut.

He grabbed a fistful of Jax’s shirt, jerked him over, and got right in his face.

“WILL IT BRING MY WIFE BACK?!”

A low growl escaped Jax’s lips. Opie let out a painful grunt as Jax took his knee to his crotch. He sent him one hell of a punch afterward.

“Say that shit to Bella… and you and I are done. I’m not fucking around. She’s killing herself, in order to make it up to you, and all you’re doing is piling it on. The poor girl can’t even breathe! I’m sorry, Op. I can’t even imagine what you must be going through. But I can’t, nor will I stand by and watch as you destroy her! She might be your niece, but she’s my old lady.”

Jax hopped onto his Harley.

“Think you can keep the peace between hers and ours?! It’s the least you could fuckin’ do!” Jax spat and peeled on out of the parking lot.

Opie cranked his head towards the club doors as he heard someone clapping. He rolled his eyes seeing as how it was his old man. He walked on over and helped Opie to his feet.

“Kid has a point. In fact, I’m pretty sure I said something along those same lines. Tell you what, son.”

Opie regarded his father in question as Piney handed him his knife.

“The day you tell my granddaughter you wish it was her instead of Donna… Do her a favor and ram this through her heart afterward.”

Piney wrapped his son’s hand along the handle of the blade and nodded.

“Twist it, rip it out then stab her again. I wanna make sure you get the job done. Because she won’t come back from that one and I don’t want her to.”

Jax pulled up behind her and parked.

“Bella…” he called and Bella stopped and gradually spun around.

“Tonight’s about you, Jackson. You should be there.”

“It’s about us… Your Phantoms, SAMRO, everyone as a whole. Meaning, I need you there as well. Don’t let Op dictate your every move. Besides…” Jax brought out that fifty and held it out.

“I believe this is yours. That was some hella moves for someone that’s never been on a pole before.”

“Fast learner…” Bella teased and took the fifty.

“Hmm… How fast we talkin’?”

“The fastest you’ll ever see.” She murmured and climbed on.

“Good. Cause I want the whole enchilada.”

“Whole enchilada?” She questioned and Jax smiled amongst himself.

“That’s right, darlin’. You might wanna talk to Lyla some more about those moves of yours. Only end it with a little lap dance next time…”

“Opie would love that.” She uttered and Jax sort of laughed.

Only it disheartened him that she no longer called him Uncle Op.

“Hold on, Bella baby…”

Jax parked the bike then he took Bella by the hand, as he walked towards the clubhouse doors. He stopped just before entering however and looked his old lady in the eyes.

“I have one rule tonight.”

“Rule?”

“That’s right… I’m am president after all and you’re on SAMCRO territory.”

Bella went to smart off about this and Jax clamped a hand over her mouth.

“Shhhh… Be a good girl and listen to what your lord and master has to say.” He uttered with a grin but grew somewhat serious.

“I want you to let go. Fuck it all and let that shit go. We’re having fun tonight, alright?”

“Fine.” She said as if this was just a dreadful request.

Jax popped her on the rear then opened the door. Piney had this look of downright relief as they entered the club. Opie saw them but acted as if they weren’t even there. He was off to a corner talking to Happy, Mia, and one of the Cara Cara girls. Jax whistled out, gathering everyone’s attention.

“I need all cuts and Phantoms in the chapel.”

This had Dizzy cutting Bella a bewildered look. Bella gave a simple nod as if to say all was well. Dizzy nodded and made certain all the Phantoms heard Jax’s announcement. Jax placed his hand along the small of Bella’s back then led her into the chapel. He took his seat at the gavel and Bella stood off to the side of him. He waited until the Sons were in their rightful place. Like that of Bella, the Phantoms remained standing.

“Would you mind, darlin’?” He hinted with a gesture towards the door and Kelly shut it.

“Thank you.”

“Phantoms, you’re probably wondering why I called you in here.”

Jax leaned back and looked to each and everyone of them.

“First off, I wish to apologize on the behalf of SAMCRO and our former president. None of you and I do mean NONE OF YOU, deserved the incredible shaft you were dealt. You’ve been nothing but helpful, in everything we’ve faced. If it wasn’t for you, I wouldn’t have my son back. I owe each and everyone of you my life.” Jax reached back and draped his old lady’s arm over his shoulder then kissed the back of her hand.

“Bella might be my queen, but Wraith will always be yours. I respect that, just as Wraith respects the position I hold when it comes to SAMCRO. We have a responsibility to you both. Ironically, we’re after the same goal; to clean shit up. That and we have a common adversary. Now I discussed this with Wraith already, but felt the need to talk with each you, face to face. What will it take to get back the alliance we once had?”

Dizzy and the others looked to Bella and Bella drew back a breath on this.

“I hadn’t the chance to talk to you guys about this. That and well… you haven’t given me a fucking gavel yet.”

Everyone managed to laugh and Bella smiled but grew serious.

“I’m no queen. I’m a goddamn street racer, taught by the best. Everything else is mere coincidence. I never asked for this. It’s nerve-wracking as fuck and I’m always afraid of disappointing you. We don’t do things like SAMCRO. They got their prez, VP, and sergeant. And well, I got Dizzy and she’s the best there is. And honestly? We’re winging this shit half of the time. You think I wake up knowing what I’m going to do, day in and out? Fuck no. But that’s where SAMCRO comes in. Jackson’s far more organized than I’ll ever be. He can think this shit up, weeks before we even get there. So just imagine if we actually worked together, without the old drama.”

He put his patch away, long enough to remember who he was talking to. President or not, Piney deserved respect. Not because he was his old lady’s grandfather but because he was an original. Piney had seen some shit in his lifetime and that’s something Clay always took for granted. Jax didn’t comment but cringed, as he caught Opie taking Ima into the backroom, through the corner of his eye. Jax kept Bella distracted, knowing it would be WW III if she caught wind of this. Not that he blamed her. Of all the women for Opie to hook up with… He chose fucking Ima Tite?! Not that Jax could talk but he’d always hoped that Opie was smarter than that shit!

“Are you alright?” Bella asked and Jax did his best to play it off.

But part of him wanted to go into that back room and stop his best friend from making a HUGE mistake. If Bella found out about this she’d lose all respect for her uncle. Jax couldn’t bear the thought. But if he went back there, now… Bella would know something was up. So Jax kept quiet and led her to the dance floor.

“Can’t dance…” she reminded.

“You were dancing with Dizzy just fine. And if I recall, you hadn’t any issues with Ethan Woodbury either.” He reminded as to their little adventure back in Canada.

Jax twirled her about. Once the others caught wind of the two, there was hooting and hollering, from both the Phantoms and SAMCRO. Bella’s cheeks got all flushed and Jax sent her a wink.

“Alright Jackson, you wanna play that game?” She challenged.

“Yes ma’am.” He uttered but was losing his mind as he knew that look all too well.

Bella ran a single finger along his chest and on down his sternum.

“Getcha sum!” Dizzy shouted as Bella circled Jax.

He raised his brows as she made her way back around and ground her tight little ass against him.

“…fuck…” He whispered knowing it was a good thing Opie was a little preoccupied at the moment.

As for Piney, he’d left for the night and Bella must’ve taken notice since she let loose, completely. Jax gave her ass a decent smack and Bella spun around. She shoved him back in playful manner. Jax reached out, grabbed ahold of her hand then pulled her back towards him. Bella let out a bit of a gasp as he had a fistful of her hair and was kissing her. Jax couldn’t help but to break into a fit of laughter however. Chibs had taken it upon himself to change the song that was playing. Crazy by Aerosmith started and Chibs held his beer up in their honor.

“Suits ya. Ye crazy fuckers.” He called.

“He’s got that right…” Dizzy said in agreement.

Jax looked to be in thought on this. A small yelp escaped Bella as he flipped her over his shoulder and carried her on out of the clubhouse. They could hear the others clapping as he headed over to his Harley and sat her down. There were no words as he handed his helmet over.

Bella laughed as Jax pulled out a set of handcuffs. He twirled them about his finger and wiggled his brows.

“Where’d you get those?”

“Doesn’t matter…” he uttered and cuffed her wrists to the Harley itself.

From there, he stripped her down and stuffed her lacy black panties into her mouth. The moon gave off just enough light that he could make her out perfectly.

“Don’t move…” he ordered.

Bella let out this surprised moan as Jax spread her legs and gave her a teasing lick. He lifted his eyes, so he could see her reaction.

“You want more?” He hummed against her slit and Bella nodded.

That cocky grin of his took over and he wasted no time in putting that tongue of his to work. For every little squirm he’d stop then give her a little pop on the rear, and would get right back to it. He loved the sight of his little minx cuffed to his Harley and how she was his for the taking. Jax replaced that tongue with a couple fingers. He had her cumming within a couple strokes.

“You gonna give my Harley a shower, darlin’?”

The way he said this had her arching back and he raised a brow as she flooded the seat of his motorcycle. Jax nodded amongst himself and hopped on down. He walked on over, unbuckled his belt, and exposed himself. He was dripping with precum. Jax reached over, removed the panties from her mouth, and stuffed them into his pocket. He grabbed a fistful of her hair and welcomed himself into that sweet mouth of hers. The warmth alone had his eyes rolling back. This deep guttural growl escaped him as he thrust.

“Hmm… Suck that cock, baby.”

He tilted his head and merely observed. Her eyes were closed and she was rubbing those thighs together. Jax swallowed back at the sight and found himself caressing her cheek with his thumb. Bella opened her eyes on this and he gave a simple nod as he pulled out. Bella laughed as he stuffed the panties back into her mouth.

“Shhh…” He shushed and gave her a playful slap on the cheek.

“You ready?” He asked as he got himself situated.

“I’m about to ride you, like my Harley…”

Jax wiggled his brows once he removed the cuffs.

“Now that we gotta do again, soon.” He murmured as he still had that heady feeling.

Bella giggled and rubbed at her wrists. Jax looked them over and massaged her hands and wrists.

“Didn’t hurt you, did I?”

“Are you kidding?! That was fucking hot!”

Jax had a good laugh at this.

“Good. Didn’t wanna push things too far.”

“Push away, Mr. Teller.”

“Hmm. I’ll have to keep that in mind.”

Jax gathered her clothes and helped to get them back on. Once she was fully dressed, he combed her hair back with his fingers.

“You’re so beautiful.”

Bella blushed and went to lower her head. Jax shook his and lifted her chin with his fingers.

“I’m serious. How the fuck did I get so lucky?”

The man wrapped his arms around her and breathed her in as he kissed the top of her head.

“I better get back to the house. I gotta pick up the kids in the morning and get them to school on time.”

Jax frowned amongst himself but understood.

“Alright baby, I’ll getcha there.”

“Did you have fun at Gemma’s?” Bella asked as she was taking the kids to school.

“Yeah… She’s cool.” Kenny replied with a shrug and Ellie nodded in agreement.

“Yeah. He called and checked in last night. Asked how everything was.”

Bella nodded. She was starting to feel as if her uncle was the dreaded deadbeat ex-husband and she was the mother that held the glue together. She didn’t like that feeling one bit. She was the freaking cousin for crying out loud. He should be the one doing these things, not her! A week or two… She understood. But a fucking month? A month of him calling, just the ONE time, and letting his kids down the very next day. This had Bella gripping the wheel in thought.

“So… did he say anything about coming home?”

“No. Just that he was taking us to school and he mentioned something about taking us out to eat tonight.”

Bella nodded once again and pulled up to the front of the school.

“I’ll talk to him and see what happened.”

“Don’t bother. I don’t wanna see him.”

Bella cringed on this and Ellie’s bottom lip quivered.

“But I want to see him…” She whimpered and Kenny rolled his eyes.

“Why? He doesn’t give a shit about us!”

“That’s not true, Kenny.” Bella defended, not so much for her uncle’s sake, it was for theirs.

“It isn’t?!”

She nodded.

“Then why are you the one taking us to school, when he said HE was going to do it?!”

Kenny took his sister by the hand and Bella watched as they headed inside. She pinched the bridge of her nose and the woman behind her honked her horn. Bella looked into the rearview mirror. She saw that it was same woman that gave her so much hell the first time she dropped them off. Bella gritted her teeth, unbuckled her seatbelt, and marched on out of the car. She walked over and banged on the window.

“YOU GOT A PROBLEM?!” She snapped and the woman jumped back in alarm.

“HONK AT ME AGAIN AND I SWEAR TO GOD…”

“My goodness… I’m guessing that was your mother that picked them up yesterday?!”

Bella narrowed her eyes in wonder and the woman went on a rant about how rude she was. Bella smiled once she realized she was talking about Gemma.

“Actually yes, that’s my mother! Eat that shit for breakfast!”

The woman’s jaw dropped and Bella sent her a cruel wink.

“You know we might just join the PTA. Get all in that shit. Whattya think?!”

“You’re crazy!”

“That’s right. Never forget that… Don’t honk at my ass again!”

Bella headed into town and grabbed a cup of coffee. Last night was catching up to her as she only got a couple hours sleep. Still, she thought back to her and Jax’s little rendezvous and smiled. That smile was soon to fade however as she received a phone call from the school. They were letting her know that Kenny had broken his arm during athletics and was on his way to the hospital. Bella hung up, tossed what was left of her coffee into the trash. She called her uncle while running to the car. Bella cursed up a storm all the way to the clubhouse as Opie wouldn’t answer. When she entered the clubhouse she saw that Jax had fallen asleep on the couch. The rest of the Sons were spread out amongst her crew. Each of them in awkward positions and a few of them weren’t even clothed. Bella shook her head on this.

“Anyone seen Opie?!” She hollered out.

Jax let out a bit of a grunt as he came to and stretched his arms about. He patted himself down, in search for a cigarette.

“DAMMIT! WHERE IS HE?!” She shouted and Jax raised his brows.

“I need to see him now!”

Jax cleared his throat and sort of shrugged.

“Haven’t seen him…” But the way he said this had Bella shaking her head in disbelief.

“You’re lying… Why?!”

“Bella baby, I don’t know where he is.” He tried his hardest to be convincing.

Bella nodded and sort of laughed as she looked around the clubhouse. Bella looked to Jax once again.

“You have got to be kidding me! Did you just use the fucking brother code on me?!”

Jax jumped up as Bella started towards the back room.

“Bella…” He pleaded as she had her hand around the doorknob.

Bella ignored his plea and opened the door. Jax grimaced as the look on her face said it all. She stepped into the room and folded her arms about her chest. Ima was riding her uncle, like there was no tomorrow. Opie caught her through the corner of his eye and had this struck stupid look about him.

“Just thought you’d like to know that your son is headed to the hospital. He broke his arm this morning at school. But by all means… please finish. I’ll go check on him!”

Bella stormed off and Jax reached out to her. She dodged the attempt and cut him a look of absolute hell.

“Don’t. Don’t touch me.” She said with the beginning of tears in her eyes.

“So that’s how this is, right? You brothers having each other’s backs, covering up whatever needs to be covered… It’s okay Op, you go ahead and get you some of that porn pussy!” She mocked.

“Tell me, Jackson. Is this what he was doing the whole time? You know while I was taking care of HIS kids and HIS house?! What’s that say for OUR future?!”

“Bell, this isn’t on Jax. It’s on me…” Opie said as he came out of the room and was putting his cut on.

“You’re right.” She replied then walked right on up to her uncle.

She slugged him across the face and Opie was quick to grab her in response. He acted as if he was going to return the favor.

“NO OP!” Jax shouted in a panic.

Opie closed his eyes and lowered his hand.

“You wanna hit me, old man?! Be my guest!”

Opie and Bella stared one another down.

“We’re done. You and I… We’re done.” She confirmed and Opie dropped his hold.

Jax staggered back, once he saw the devastating look on Opie’s face. Bella was too mad to even notice. In fact, her attention was on that of Ima now.

“You’ll never be an old lady, no matter how much you wish it. It’s not going to happen. You’re a living, breathing, sex doll. That’s all, until that pussy of yours dries up and you’re left with nothing but a bottle of KY and half a pack of smokes. And when you die… No one’s going to shed a fucking tear. What my uncle had with his wife… That’s real. That’s forever, even in DEATH! You’ll never know of that. I’d pity you, but you did this to yourself. I’m not ignorant, hun. I can see it in your eyes. You’re here for one reason and one only…” Bella pointed to Jax.

“If he wanted you… It would’ve happened, a long time ago. All that sucking and fucking… and what for? A fantasy! Men fuck whores; they don’t settle down and marry them.”

Meanwhile, Kelly (Ima’s sister) had heard everything. She couldn’t help but to send Ima a cruel smile. Truer words had never been spoken the Phantom thought with a respectful nod Bella’s direction. Bella nodded in response then headed on out. Opie placed a hand over his heart. He looked to Jax, like he’d been shot.

“Jax…” He whispered in such a way that it tugged at the president’s heart.

But this was the rude awakening Opie needed. Piney and Jax tried getting to him. Leave it to Bella to be the one to do it.

“I’d say I told you so…” Jax mumbled before leaving his brother to lick his own wounds.

“Look at it this way… Those girls will be lining up to sign your cast.”

Kenny looked to be in thought.

“You really think so?”

“I know so. Just you wait, you’ll see.”

Kenny had this cheesy little grin going and Bella laughed.

“Oh Kenny, you’re something else you know that?” She teased and roughed up his hair a bit, before kissing his forehead.

The door cracked open and Bella looked over thinking it was the nurse. Opie gave a mere nod as he entered the room. Ellie ran up and hugged him. Opie swallowed back as his daughter teared up and went on about how much she missed him. Bella looked on feeling somewhat emotional herself.

“What are you doing here?” Kenny uttered and Opie lifted his eyes that direction.

“What do you mean what am doing here?!”

Kenny rolled his eyes on this.

“I’m fine. Just go back to whatever it is you do.”

Kenny shifted about in the hospital bed and let out this painful grunt. Bella was quick to respond, by getting him better situated. It was then everything truly hit home. Opie couldn’t believe what he’d done. He alienated his own children and left them in the care of his niece, who had enough on her plate as it was. His relationship had been rocky when it came to Kenny. But now… He looked upon his father as if he wished he were dead.

Opie pinched his eyes shut.

“I’m sorry. I really am…”

“You got that right…” Kenny stated and Bella ran a soothing hand along his back.

“Kenny…” She softly called and he looked over.

“Give him a chance.” She wasn’t saying this for her uncle’s sake but the kids.

She didn’t blame Kenny one bit for being pissed. Kenny lowered his head on this and Bella came to her feet.

“Look, you three need some space. And I need to get home… as in MY home.”

Kenny looked to Bella in a panic.

“You’re leaving us?!” Ellie cried and Bella cringed.

“No. Never. I’m going home, that’s all. I’m just a phone call away.”

“Can’t you move back in?!” Kenny pleaded and Bella swallowed back the knot within her throat.

“Kenny hun, I’m getting married.”

“Right…” he said in defeat and Bella lifted his chin with her fingers.

“Look at me, I’m not going anywhere. You understand?”

Kenny got a little choked up but nodded. Bella used her thumb to wipe his tears.

“I love you, both of you. You couldn’t rid of me if you tried.”

Kenny managed to smile and Bella hugged them both. Bella looked to her uncle on the way out.

“Shit or get off the pot…” She cruelly hinted and Opie sighed.

Bella hated leaving them like this. But she hadn’t a choice. She meant it when she told her uncle she was done. Done – as in it was time for him to take responsibility and done as in she was done with HIM, in general.

Bella pulled up to the house, but it wasn’t the one she intended. Her heart drove her here. Bella stepped out of the car and before she could even get to the door, it opened. Jax had Abel in his arms and waved her inside, like he’d been expecting her. Abel stretched those little arms of his out. He had a big ole grin on his face.

“Hey, buddy.” Bella greeted behind tears.

“It mamee!”

Bella staggered back on his words and Jax smiled.

“That’s right. It’s mommy.”

Bella grabbed ahold of Abel and closed her eyes.

“No mamee…” Abel said and used his tiny hands to wipe her tears.

He made a pouty face and Bella managed to smile. Jax looked on as she sat with Abel on the couch. Bella kept quiet and simply held him. Jax nodded amongst himself and went to brew them some coffee. Jax had been working on that for sometime. He made certain they talked about Bella often and he’d show his son the pictures of Bella on his phone. He was determined in making her heart melt and he most certainly achieved this. It couldn’t have come at a better time. He knew this was just what Bella needed. So he took his time brewing that coffee. He wanted to give her and Abel that time alone. What he hadn’t expected? Was to enter the room and find them both asleep on the couch. Jax set his and Bella’s coffee down. Then he grabbed a blanket and draped it over them. He kissed their foreheads and sat at the recliner. He sipped at his coffee and watched as they slept.

Jax hadn’t realized that he too had fallen asleep, not until he heard someone at the door.

“…shit…” He whispered as he spilled his coffee on the way.

“Is she here?”

Jax nodded and stepped aside, allowing Opie in. Opie walked on over and hunkered down at the couch. He gave his niece a little shake.

“Hey…” He softly called as she came too.

She squinted in confusion at first. Opie picked Abel up then handed him over to Jax.

“We need to talk.”

“I haven’t anything to say to you…”

“Bell, please. Just hear me out.”

Jax took Abel to his room, giving the two their privacy. Bella sat up and Opie had a seat at the coffee table. He took off his cut and set it to the side.

“Look at me, kid…”

Bella’s eyes locked with his. Opie sucked back a breath as if he’d been holding it forever.

“It isn’t what you think…”

“Sure it isn’t. So you fucked a porn star…”

Opie placed a finger along her lips.

“That’s not where I’m going with this. So please… Just shut up and listen.”

Opie shot up and was pacing the room.

“You, pops, and Jax have it all wrong. It wasn’t about you being in the truck instead.”

Opie’s got a little choked up and shook his head.

“Come on, Bell. It’s like I told you… You’re the reason I wanted to have children in the first place. I envied my sister when it came to you. I wanted what she had.”

The VP cleared his throat and his eyes meet hers again.

“All of this… wasn’t resentment, but guilt.”

“Guilt?! Why would YOU be guilty?!”

“Because I was relieved.”

“I don’t understand.”

“Dammit kid, how else do you want me to spell it!”

“THEN QUIT DANCING AROUND AND SPIT IT OUT!” Bella snapped and Opie gritted his teeth on this.

“I’M THANKFUL AS FUCK THAT IT WASN’T YOU! ALRIGHT?! HOW FUCKED UP IS THAT SHIT?! WHAT KIND OF HUSBAND DOES THAT MAKE ME? HUH?!”

Bella swallowed back rather thickly and Opie nodded.

“But you said…”

“I know what I said! I didn’t mean a word of it! I was talking out of my ass, because I was pissed, with myself.”

Opie looked to the tattoo he had of his wife and let out a miserable sigh.

“When you came into the chapel and had that gun on Clay… All I kept thinking was thank God. Thank God… Donna took the truck instead.”

Bella closed her eyes on this and Opie nodded.

“I love Donna, so fucking much. I miss her every goddamn day. Everything reminds me of her. What you said to Ima… Really hit home. Fuck. What have I done…? It’s been a month. One fucking month and I had my dick in some goddamn porn star!”

“You wanted something to take the pain away…” Bella softly said and Opie lifted his eyes on this.

“I get it. Everyone deals with loss in their own ways. I shut down and get shitfaced; you get drunk and get laid.”

Opie recoiled on this.

“I won’t lie… That’s not the image I wanted. You’ve been with Donna for long… Seeing you with someone else, even with the knowledge of what it really was, hurt; because that’s when it really hit home… She isn’t coming back.”

Opie was quick to hug it out as they broke into sobs. Opie kissed the top of her head.

“Hate me. Be mad. Whatever. Just don’t be done with me, kid. I need you.”

Bella nodded and Opie got a tighter hold.

“Don’t ever be done with me…”

(Be a good sport by leaving your comment/review or a simple ‘like’, if you dug the chapter. Thank you!)

12 thoughts on “Chapter 21 Crazy”

About time he pulled the wool from his eyes and got a swift kick in the ass and that is exactly what bella did to him. Good for her as for shopping with Gemma to get ready for her wedding.. that was interesting especially since bella hates to shop. and Abel is just to damn precious for words calling Bella mommy and her videoing him walking for the first time and sending it to jax. He might not of been there and it might a been recorded but its something special seeing the first steps your baby takes. I hope your muse is inspiring you for another wicked scene in the next chapters. and I hope you and yours are well on this holiday weekend. Until next time *bows* I will do my best to be patient and wait for another two chapters lol